How state of mind affects perception

An open and curious state of mind allowed me to experience this view
from the pew the way I did. As is so often suggested, it’s not what you
look at, it’s what you see. Perception. Yet perception is affected by so
many things that are going on in our lives at the moment of our
observation or experience. Our emotional, physical, medical,
professional, personal, financial and spiritual states of mind at the
very moment we experience something influences our perception of the
event.

Squirming around in my sleepy stupor I silently declared to myself
that I was not going to church. I was just too tired. Sunday morning, a
day of worship, but also a lovely day to stay snuggled amongst the
pillows. But then my gratitude angel whispered in my ear and reminded me
how God never tires of helping me so surely I can drag my awesome life
off the sheets and go give thanks.

Moments later someone suggested, “Why don’t you go to mass at the chapel”, a quaint little place of worship on the banks of the Falmouth Harbor.

What an odd suggestion, I thought. I hadn’t been to the chapel since 1998 when a family member got married there. And yet two weeks ago while attending mass at my parish church I was short the money needed to purchase a couple of books in the lobby book sale. Not to worry, the attendant shared, the books will be available next week at the chapel. You can catch us there. And yet I never did make it to the chapel book sale.

So as I prepared to attend Sunday service on this gorgeous July
morning, it was foggy yet clear I was being guided to the chapel.

Cruising the short ride to St. Thomas Chapel, I
mentally acknowledged my gratitude and openness to whatever the day
brought. Though admittedly my spiritual curiosity was piqued, I
relinquished all thoughts of “why” I seemed to be guided to attending
mass there and just enjoyed the adventure and chatting with the locals
perched on their harbor-lined decks soaking up the morning dew and their
morning brew. I even offered to fill a few empty Adirondacks I noticed
some folks had.

Sliding quietly into a pew, I looked slightly right from my kneeler
and froze in awe of the view before me. The pew that I chose (or I think
chose me) boasted an expansive view of the boat-filled Falmouth Harbor
through the side door I’d just entered. Mass hadn’t yet begun so I
discreetly retrieved my cell phone and captured the visual magnificence.
Admiring the view, I slid back in my seat and thought what a view. It
was all so breathtaking I wanted to share my photos on Facebook but
then felt a strong nudge not to. I leaned back continuing to soak up my
surroundings and heard the words “view from the pew”.

Shortly thereafter, the homily served more symbolism – parables the
priest spoke of making comparison to life, talks of attitude being 80
percent of everything, to plant seeds, reap what you sow and be open.

Lingering in my pew for a moment at the conclusion of the mass I
ruminated on the myriad of messages delivered in the last 90 minutes of
this day. The most profound of which was the phrase “view from the pew”.

For a while I’d been tossing column title ideas around in my head but
hadn’t really settled on one. I knew the type of content my column
would contain. I love alliteration and metaphors. And I love the rhythm
of words. And well, I simply had not been able to come up with a title
combining all those attributes.

Yet there I was, dragged from my Sunday sheets and guided to a place
where the precise metaphorical title I was searching for would be
served.

I saw a breathtaking view from the pew. I heard the phrase “view from
the pew”. I whispered the words “view from the pew”. But I perceived so
much more.

Have you ever had this kind of unexpected experience? Please share your story and allow it to uplift and inspire readers.

“View from the Pew™” – my column title – is my sharing of what I see from where I am physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually, at the time of the experience. I hope my view from the pew™ inspires you to open your lens.

Have you ever had this kind of unexpected experience? Please share your story and allow it to uplift and inspire readers.